₦800 Million Empowerment: DESOPADEC, Stakeholders Support Niger Delta Entrepreneurs
DESOPADEC Strengthens Community Empowerment Programme
THE Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has boosted a business empowerment programme initiated by Kestin Pondi with an additional ₦100 million, expanding the number of beneficiaries to 80.
The intervention was announced during the grand finale of the entrepreneurship grant initiative held on March 9, 2026, where 10 additional beneficiaries were selected to receive ₦10 million each.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of DESOPADEC, Festus Ochonogor, said the commission decided to support the programme because of its direct impact on economic empowerment at the grassroots level.
According to him, government efforts alone cannot drive sustainable development, making partnerships with private individuals and organisations essential for community growth.
“Government cannot do everything. Initiatives like this complement the efforts of government and directly empower our people,” Ochonogor said.
Initiative Targets Entrepreneurs Across Communities
The empowerment programme was originally designed to support 50 entrepreneurs with ₦5 million each to boost their businesses.
However, organisers later doubled the grant to ₦10 million per beneficiary, increasing the initial total value of the programme to ₦500 million.
DESOPADEC’s intervention added 10 more beneficiaries with ₦10 million each, further strengthening the initiative and widening its impact.
Additional Support from Stakeholders
Beyond the commission’s contribution, other stakeholders also stepped forward to expand the programme.
The General Manager of Operations at Tantita Security Services, Godfrey Pondi, added another 10 beneficiaries to the scheme.
Similarly, the Delta State Commissioner for Power and Energy, Ifeanyi Anoka, contributed funding that enabled an additional 10 entrepreneurs to benefit from the grant.
These contributions increased the number of beneficiaries from the original 50 to a total of 80 entrepreneurs, raising the overall value of the empowerment initiative to ₦800 million.
Leaders Highlight Economic Impact
Also speaking at the event, DESOPADEC’s Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Oghenekome Reginald Okpobor, described the programme as a strong demonstration of visionary leadership.
He said the initiative goes beyond charity, stressing that it represents a strategic effort to stimulate economic activity within communities.
“What we witnessed today goes beyond philanthropy. This is a deliberate economic empowerment that will strengthen families, support small businesses and stimulate growth across our communities,” he said.
Collaborative Efforts for Regional Development
The event highlighted the importance of collaboration between government agencies, private individuals and community leaders in promoting entrepreneurship and economic growth across the Niger Delta.
Among other dignitaries present were the Executive Director of Social Services at DESOPADEC, Favour Izoukumor, and the member representing the Urhobo nationality on the commission’s board, Oghenekaro Goru.
Observers noted that initiatives like the Pondi grant programme could play a significant role in supporting small businesses, creating employment opportunities and improving livelihoods within oil-producing communities.
